KidWorks 2021 Women’s Pickleball Tournament Nets $40,000

Over 60 motivated Orange County women, including many players from Newport Beach, returned to the courts to play for a purpose in the 2021 Women’s Pickleball Tournament organized by KidWorks, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit that provides academic, spiritual and leadership programs for underserved children and teens.

More than $40,000 was netted at the fundraising event, held April 23 at The Tennis Club at Newport Beach Country Club, in support of KidWorks’ College Success Initiative that funds activities like its College Apps Academy, Campus Crash and mentorship program – all designed to support first generation, low-income students on their journey towards college success.

Tournament committee members from Newport Beach were co-chairs Heather Gaughan and Corinne Morgenstern, along with Vivian Browne, Lori Junkins, Sharon Roy, Jill Schriber, Kyle Team, and Leslie Montgomery of Corona del Mar. Team is also a KidWorks board member. Also participating in the event is Leslie Seidner, a member of the KidWorks Advisory Council and resident of Newport Beach.

Tournament winner is Susan Vigil. Event sponsors include: Queen Of The Court – Heather Gaughan, Sandy Wirta; Court Sponsor - Oltmans Construction; Amazing Aces - Anonymous, Helen Fedalan, Suzy Metcalfe, Leslie Seidner, Kyle Team; Lunch Sponsor- Newport Beach Country Club; Darling Dinkers- Empty Nesters Unite, Lori Junkins, Schriber Family Fund, Kathy Stuart; and

Lovely Lobbers - Holly Anderson, Anonymous, Anonymous, B. Candy, Beach Hardwood Floors, Kim Carpenter, Pam Conner, Flint Family, Beth Hallett, Cate Hanley, Emily C. Mandrup, Mel Murray, Shelly Read, Claudette Shaw and Zotovich Wines.

“At the core of our College Success Initiative is a commitment to education because we know it leads to higher income, improved health, and a better future,” said KidWorks’ Executive Director David Benavides. “We are developing life-ready learners who are leaders.”

For the past seven years, 100 percent of KidWorks high school students have graduated on time and 100 percent have gone onto higher education.

The committee would like to thank all of the amazing sponsors and players who came to support KidWorks students on the path towards college success.

For more information, call Associate Director of Development Lisa Gels at 714-834-9400 x.126 or email lisa.gels@kidworksoc.org.

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About KidWorks

Since 1993, KidWorks has helped children, youth and families living in challenging neighborhoods in central Santa Ana, California thrive in body, mind and spirit. As a 501(C) (3) nonprofit, KidWorks transforms some of Orange County’s most challenging neighborhoods by investing in the lives of its youngest residents and their families. They firmly believe that a zip code should not determine a child’s future.

KidWorks Develops Students Who Are:

• Life Ready: Developing the whole person so they can make wise decisions and thrive • Learners: Educating students so they have a brighter future • Leaders: Preparing young leaders who make a difference

The outcome is self-reliant young adults who are equipped to succeed in life and are motivated to give back.

Despite COVID-19, KidWorks celebrated that 100% of our high school seniors

graduated on-time and all continued their education. We are also proud

to report that 75% of our college students returned to school this fall. In addition

to our traditional after school programs, we added supplemental support

to better meet the needs of our students and families.

To learn more about KidWorks and to read its success stories, please visit www.kidworksoc.org.